1 The words of King Lemuel, the prophecy with which his mother taught him.
2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? 3 Do not give thy strength nor thy ways unto the women who destroy kings. 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor is beer for princes 5 lest they drink and forget the law and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. 6 Give beer unto him that is ready to perish and wine unto those that have heavy hearts. 7 They drink and forget their need and remember their misery no more. 8 Open thy mouth for those who cannot speak in the judgment of all the sons of death. 9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and destitute.
10 Aleph Who can find a valiant woman? for her price is far above precious stones. 11 Beth The heart of her husband safely trusts in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 Gimel She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13 Daleth She sought wool and flax and worked willingly with her hands. 14 He She was like the merchants’ ships; she brings her food from afar. 15 Vau She rose up even at night and gave food to her family and a portion to her maidens. 16 Zain She considered the inheritance and bought it; with the fruit of her hands she planted a vineyard. 17 Cheth She girded her loins with strength and strengthened her arms. 18 Teth She perceived that her merchandise was good; her fire did not go out by night. 19 Jod She laid her hands to the spindle, and her hands held the distaff. 20 Caph She stretched out her hand to the poor; yea, she reached forth her hands to the destitute. 21 Lamed She shall not be afraid of the snow for her family, for all her family is clothed with double garments. 22 Mem She makes herself tapestries; her clothing is of fine linen and purple. 23 Nun Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. 24 Samech She made fine linen and sold it and delivered girdles unto the merchant. 25 Ain Strength and glory is her clothing, and she shall laugh in the last day. 26 Pe She opened her mouth with wisdom, and the law of mercy is upon her tongue. 27 Tzaddi She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat bread in idleness. 28 Koph Her sons rose up and called her blessed; her husband also, and he praised her. 29 Resh Many daughters have done valiantly, but thou dost excel them all. 30 Schin Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but the woman that fears the LORD shall be praised. 31 Tau Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.